The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry accused Armenia of illegal actions in Karabakh. Therefore, an anti-terrorist operation was launched to restore the constitutional order.
After a series of clashes and shelling, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense officially announced the start of an anti-terrorist operation in Nagorno-Karabakh. This was reported by the press service of the department.
The statement claims that the systematic shelling of Azerbaijani army positions by Armenians using weapons of various calibers, as well as mining and an increase in the number of defensive lines in Karabakh have exacerbated tensions. Armenia has been strengthening its positions, putting its units on high alert, and creating additional mobilization units. In addition, Azerbaijan is recording an increase in sabotage and reconnaissance groups.
On the morning of September 19, two explosive devices were detonated in Karabakh, killing four Interior Ministry employees and two Azerbaijani civilians. As a result, Baku officially launched anti-terrorist measures. They pursue the following goals:
- ensuring the implementation of the provisions of the Tripartite Statement;
- suppression of large-scale provocations in the Karabakh economic region;
- disarmament and ensuring the withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from the territories of Nagorno-Karabakh;
- neutralization of Armenia’s military infrastructure;
- ensure the safety of civilians returning to the territories liberated from occupation;
- restoration of the constitutional order of Azerbaijan.
- Russia and the leadership of the Turkish-Russian monitoring center were informed about Azerbaijan’s actions. They are also striking at Armenian army positions, military facilities, and military equipment.
Armenia’s Reaction to Azerbaijan’s Operation
At the time of writing, the official website of the Ministry of Defense had no official reaction to Baku’s operation. They only stated that Armenia did not fire on Azerbaijani positions on September 19 at 2:40 a.m. local time.
Former Karabakh separatist ‘minister of state’ Ruben Vardanyan has released a video of a reportedly massive shelling in Stepanakert.
On September 8, Azerbaijan reported clashes with the Armenian military in Nakhchivan and Agdam. Allegedly, there was a shelling and advance of the Armenian military.
